Description
Delicate jumbo lump crab meat formed into crispy golden bombs, served with a tangy lemon butter sauce for an indulgent seafood appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 large eggs, beaten, for coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, for coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the jumbo lump crab meat, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, 1 beaten egg, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Be careful not to break up the crab lumps.
- Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized balls (about 2 inches in diameter). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, 2 beaten eggs in another, and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat each crab bomb in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the crab bombs in batches (without overcrowding) for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For the lemon butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, and chives (if using). Remove from heat.
- Serve the crab bombs hot with the lemon butter sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a lighter version, bake the crab bombs at 400°F for 15-18 minutes instead of frying.